Self-Regulatory Organizations; International Securities Exchange, LLC; Order Approving a Proposed Rule Change Relating to an Amendment to the International Securities Exchange, LLC Constitution and Amended and Restated LLC Agreement, 45287-45288 [E7-15758]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 155 / Monday, August 13, 2007 / Notices respect of position limits including the reduction from any such net positions any positions subject to delta hedging or allowable equity option hedges; and (2) determining that the eligible brokerdealers represent that they have made any reduction from such net option positions pursuant to and in accordance with a model, or the processes that develop a model, for delta hedging that have been approved by an applicable federal regulator. It is important to note that FINRA is not under any obligation to test: (1) The integrity of a model, its processes or methodology; or (2) the employment of such models by eligible broker-dealers as to any data inputs, calculations or any other utilization of the model. FINRA will announce the effective date of the proposed rule change in a Notice to Members to be published no later than 60 days following Commission approval. The effective date will be no later than 30 days following publication of the Notice to Members announcing Commission approval. 2. Statutory Basis FINRA believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the provisions of Section 15A(b)(6) of the Act,18 which requires, among other things, that FINRA rules be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. FINRA believes that it is appropriate, subject to certain conditions, to exempt options positions of entities subject to an extensive regulatory framework of a federal financial regulator from position limits and require that only the option contract equivalent of the net delta of a stock options position be subject to position limits. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES FINRA does not believe that the proposed rule change would result in any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others Written comments were neither solicited nor received. 18 15 U.S.C. 78o–3(b)(6). VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:19 Aug 10, 2007 Jkt 211001 III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Within 35 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register or within such longer period (i) As the Commission may designate up to 90 days of such date if it finds such longer period to be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to which the self-regulatory organization consents, the Commission will: (A) By order approve such proposed rule change, or (B) Institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be disapproved. Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an e-mail to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–NASD–2007–044 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Nancy M. Morris, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NASD–2007–044. This file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission’s Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for inspection and copying in the Commission’s Public Reference Room, on official business days between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm. Copies of Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of FINRA. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NASD– 2007–044 and should be submitted on or before September 4, 2007. For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.19 Florence E. Harmon, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E7–15723 Filed 8–10–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8010–01–P IV. Solicitation of Comments PO 00000 45287 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–56211; File No. SR–ISE– 2007–34] Self-Regulatory Organizations; International Securities Exchange, LLC; Order Approving a Proposed Rule Change Relating to an Amendment to the International Securities Exchange, LLC Constitution and Amended and Restated LLC Agreement August 6, 2007. I. Introduction On May 8, 2007, the International Securities Exchange, LLC (‘‘ISE’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’), pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 a proposed rule change to amend the Exchange’s Constitution (‘‘ISE Constitution’’ or ‘‘Constitution’’) and Amended and Restated LLC Agreement (‘‘ISE LLC Agreement’’). The proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on June 4, 2007.3 The Commission received no comments regarding the proposal. This order approves the proposed rule change. II. Description of the Proposal Currently, the ISE Constitution requires that the President of the Exchange and the Chief Executive Officer (‘‘CEO’’) of the Exchange be the same person. The Constitution also 19 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55809 (May 23, 2007), 72 FR 30894. 1 15 E:\FR\FM\13AUN1.SGM 13AUN1 45288 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 155 / Monday, August 13, 2007 / Notices currently requires that the number of directors on the board of directors (‘‘Board’’) of the Exchange be fixed at 15, to be comprised of: (i) Two ‘‘PMM Directors’’ 4; (ii) two ‘‘CMM Directors’’ 5; (iii) two ‘‘EAM Directors’’ 6; (iv) eight ‘‘Non-Industry Directors’’ 7—at least two of whom must be ‘‘Public Directors’’ 8— and (v) the person holding the office of President and CEO. The proposed rule change would remove the requirement that the President be the CEO, and amend the ISE Constitution to require that the director position described in subparagraph (v) above be held by the CEO. The proposal also would amend the Constitution to establish the number of directors at no less than 15 and no more than 16. In conjunction with these changes, Sole LLC Member,9 in its sole and jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES 4 As set forth in Article III, Section 3.2(b)(i) of the ISE Constitution, a PMM Director is an officer, director, or partner of a Primary Market Maker elected by a plurality of the holders of the PMM Rights (see Article XII, Section 12.1 of the ISE Constitution) voting together as a class. 5 As set forth in Article III, Section 3.2(b)(ii) of the ISE Constitution, a CMM Director is an officer, director, or partner of a Competitive Market Maker elected by a plurality of the holders of the CMM Rights (see Article XII, Section 12.2 of the ISE Constitution) voting together as a class. 6 As set forth in Article III, Section 3.2(b)(iii) of the ISE Constitution, an EAM Director is an officer, director, or partner of an Electronic Access Member elected by the plurality of the holders of the EAM Rights (see Article XII, Section 12.3 of the ISE Constitution) voting together as a class. 7 As set forth in Article III, Section 3.2(b)(iii) of the ISE Constitution, a ‘‘Non-Industry Director’’ is a director elected by the Sole LLC Member (see infra, note 9) who meets the requirements to be a ‘‘non-industry representative.’’ A ‘‘non-industry representative’’ is defined in Article XIII, Section 13.1(w) as any person that would not be considered an ‘‘industry representative’’ (see below) as well as: (i) a person affiliated with a broker or dealer that operates solely to assist the securities-related activities of the business of non-member affiliates, (ii) an employee of an entity that is affiliated with a broker or dealer that does not account for a material portion of the revenues of the consolidated entity, and who is primarily engaged in the business of the non-member entity. An ‘‘industry representative’’ is defined in Article XIII, Section 13.1(t) as a person who is an officer, director, or employee of a broker or dealer or who has been employed in any such capacity at any time within the prior three years, as well as a person who has a consulting or employment relationship with or has provided professional services to the Exchange and a person who had any such relationship or provided any such services to the Exchange at any time within the prior three years. 8 As set forth in Article III, Section 3.2(b)(iv) of the ISE Constitution, a ‘‘Public Director’’ must be a ‘‘public representative,’’ defined in Article XIII, Section 13.1(dd) as a non-industry representative (see supra, note 7) who has no material business relationship with a broker or dealer or the Exchange. 9 As set forth in Article I, Section 1.1 of the ISE Constitution, the ISE is a single member limited liability company with one limited liability company interest currently authorized (the ‘‘LLC Interest’’). The holder of the LLC interest is VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:19 Aug 10, 2007 Jkt 211001 absolute discretion, would be able to elect one additional director (‘‘Former Employee Director’’) who was employed by the Exchange at any time during the three-year period prior to his or her initial election but otherwise meets the definition of a Non-Industry Director under the Exchange’s Constitution.10 The proposed rule change also would make conforming amendments to the ISE LLC Agreement. According to the Exchange, the proposed modifications to its governance structure would provide it with the flexibility to structure its board of directors in a way that would enable the ISE to attract and keep talented individuals. III. Discussion After careful review, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a national securities exchange. Specifically, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with section 6(b)(1) of the Act,11 which requires, among other things, that an exchange be so organized and have the capacity to be able to carry out the purposes of the Act; and with section 6(b)(5) of the Act,12 which requires, among other things, that the rules of a national securities exchange be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to, and perfect the mechanism of, a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest.13 The Commission notes that the additional member that the Sole LLC Member would be permitted to elect to the Board, aside from having been an Exchange employee within the prior International Securities Exchange Holdings, Inc., which may assign the LLC Interest as provided in the LLC Agreement (the ‘‘Sole LLC Member’’). 10 The term of a Former Employee Director would expire at the annual meeting of holders of Exchange Rights and the Sole LLC Member held in the second year following the year of his or her election. (Regarding Exchange Rights, see Article I, Section 1.2 of the ISE Constitution and Article VI of the ISE LLC Agreement.) A Former Employee Director would not be permitted to serve on the Board for more than three consecutive terms, but would be eligible for election as a director following a twoyear hiatus from service on the Board, provided that he or she meets the relevant requirements. See proposed new Section 3.2(e)(iv) to Article III of the ISE Constitution. 11 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(1). 12 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 13 In approving this proposed rule change, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 three years, otherwise would be required to meet the qualifications of a Non-Industry Director. Thus, the Former Employee Director could not be a person who is an officer, director, or employee of a broker or dealer or who has been employed in any such capacity at any time within the prior three years. Further, the Commission notes that, under the proposed rule change, the ISE Constitution would continue to provide that eight of the members of the Exchange’s board of directors—out of a maximum total of 16 members—must be non-industry representatives. The Commission believes that this proposed balance with respect to the composition of the Exchange’s Board is consistent with other self-regulatory organization governance structures that were approved by the Commission.14 IV. Conclusion It is therefore ordered, pursuant to section 19(b)(2) of the Act,15 that the proposed rule change (SR–ISE–2007–34) be, and hereby is, approved. For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.16 Florence E. Harmon, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E7–15758 Filed 8–10–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8010–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–56204; File No. SR– NASDAQ–2007–070] Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Adopt Certain FINRA Rules Relating to Trading Halts and Disclosure of Disciplinary Information August 3, 2007. Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on August 3, 2007, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (‘‘Nasdaq’’), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been substantially prepared by Nasdaq. 14 See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 54494 (September 25, 2006), 71 FR 58023 (October 2, 2006). 15 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). 16 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. E:\FR\FM\13AUN1.SGM 13AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 155 (Monday, August 13, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45287-45288]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-15758]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-56211; File No. SR-ISE-2007-34]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; International Securities Exchange, 
LLC; Order Approving a Proposed Rule Change Relating to an Amendment to 
the International Securities Exchange, LLC Constitution and Amended and 
Restated LLC Agreement

August 6, 2007.

I. Introduction

    On May 8, 2007, the International Securities Exchange, LLC (``ISE'' 
or ``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission''), pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ a 
proposed rule change to amend the Exchange's Constitution (``ISE 
Constitution'' or ``Constitution'') and Amended and Restated LLC 
Agreement (``ISE LLC Agreement''). The proposed rule change was 
published for comment in the Federal Register on June 4, 2007.\3\ The 
Commission received no comments regarding the proposal. This order 
approves the proposed rule change.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55809 (May 23, 
2007), 72 FR 30894.
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II. Description of the Proposal

    Currently, the ISE Constitution requires that the President of the 
Exchange and the Chief Executive Officer (``CEO'') of the Exchange be 
the same person. The Constitution also

[[Page 45288]]

currently requires that the number of directors on the board of 
directors (``Board'') of the Exchange be fixed at 15, to be comprised 
of: (i) Two ``PMM Directors'' \4\; (ii) two ``CMM Directors'' \5\; 
(iii) two ``EAM Directors'' \6\; (iv) eight ``Non-Industry Directors'' 
\7\--at least two of whom must be ``Public Directors'' \8\--and (v) the 
person holding the office of President and CEO.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ As set forth in Article III, Section 3.2(b)(i) of the ISE 
Constitution, a PMM Director is an officer, director, or partner of 
a Primary Market Maker elected by a plurality of the holders of the 
PMM Rights (see Article XII, Section 12.1 of the ISE Constitution) 
voting together as a class.
    \5\ As set forth in Article III, Section 3.2(b)(ii) of the ISE 
Constitution, a CMM Director is an officer, director, or partner of 
a Competitive Market Maker elected by a plurality of the holders of 
the CMM Rights (see Article XII, Section 12.2 of the ISE 
Constitution) voting together as a class.
    \6\ As set forth in Article III, Section 3.2(b)(iii) of the ISE 
Constitution, an EAM Director is an officer, director, or partner of 
an Electronic Access Member elected by the plurality of the holders 
of the EAM Rights (see Article XII, Section 12.3 of the ISE 
Constitution) voting together as a class.
    \7\ As set forth in Article III, Section 3.2(b)(iii) of the ISE 
Constitution, a ``Non-Industry Director'' is a director elected by 
the Sole LLC Member (see infra, note 9) who meets the requirements 
to be a ``non-industry representative.'' A ``non-industry 
representative'' is defined in Article XIII, Section 13.1(w) as any 
person that would not be considered an ``industry representative'' 
(see below) as well as: (i) a person affiliated with a broker or 
dealer that operates solely to assist the securities-related 
activities of the business of non-member affiliates, (ii) an 
employee of an entity that is affiliated with a broker or dealer 
that does not account for a material portion of the revenues of the 
consolidated entity, and who is primarily engaged in the business of 
the non-member entity.
    An ``industry representative'' is defined in Article XIII, 
Section 13.1(t) as a person who is an officer, director, or employee 
of a broker or dealer or who has been employed in any such capacity 
at any time within the prior three years, as well as a person who 
has a consulting or employment relationship with or has provided 
professional services to the Exchange and a person who had any such 
relationship or provided any such services to the Exchange at any 
time within the prior three years.
    \8\ As set forth in Article III, Section 3.2(b)(iv) of the ISE 
Constitution, a ``Public Director'' must be a ``public 
representative,'' defined in Article XIII, Section 13.1(dd) as a 
non-industry representative (see supra, note 7) who has no material 
business relationship with a broker or dealer or the Exchange.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed rule change would remove the requirement that the 
President be the CEO, and amend the ISE Constitution to require that 
the director position described in subparagraph (v) above be held by 
the CEO. The proposal also would amend the Constitution to establish 
the number of directors at no less than 15 and no more than 16.
    In conjunction with these changes, Sole LLC Member,\9\ in its sole 
and absolute discretion, would be able to elect one additional director 
(``Former Employee Director'') who was employed by the Exchange at any 
time during the three-year period prior to his or her initial election 
but otherwise meets the definition of a Non-Industry Director under the 
Exchange's Constitution.\10\ The proposed rule change also would make 
conforming amendments to the ISE LLC Agreement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ As set forth in Article I, Section 1.1 of the ISE 
Constitution, the ISE is a single member limited liability company 
with one limited liability company interest currently authorized 
(the ``LLC Interest''). The holder of the LLC interest is 
International Securities Exchange Holdings, Inc., which may assign 
the LLC Interest as provided in the LLC Agreement (the ``Sole LLC 
Member'').
    \10\ The term of a Former Employee Director would expire at the 
annual meeting of holders of Exchange Rights and the Sole LLC Member 
held in the second year following the year of his or her election. 
(Regarding Exchange Rights, see Article I, Section 1.2 of the ISE 
Constitution and Article VI of the ISE LLC Agreement.) A Former 
Employee Director would not be permitted to serve on the Board for 
more than three consecutive terms, but would be eligible for 
election as a director following a two-year hiatus from service on 
the Board, provided that he or she meets the relevant requirements. 
See proposed new Section 3.2(e)(iv) to Article III of the ISE 
Constitution.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the Exchange, the proposed modifications to its 
governance structure would provide it with the flexibility to structure 
its board of directors in a way that would enable the ISE to attract 
and keep talented individuals.

III. Discussion

    After careful review, the Commission finds that the proposed rule 
change is consistent with the requirements of the Act and the rules and 
regulations thereunder applicable to a national securities exchange. 
Specifically, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is 
consistent with section 6(b)(1) of the Act,\11\ which requires, among 
other things, that an exchange be so organized and have the capacity to 
be able to carry out the purposes of the Act; and with section 6(b)(5) 
of the Act,\12\ which requires, among other things, that the rules of a 
national securities exchange be designed to prevent fraudulent and 
manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable 
principles of trade, to remove impediments to, and perfect the 
mechanism of, a free and open market and a national market system, and, 
in general, to protect investors and the public interest.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(1).
    \12\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \13\ In approving this proposed rule change, the Commission has 
considered the proposed rule's impact on efficiency, competition, 
and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission notes that the additional member that the Sole LLC 
Member would be permitted to elect to the Board, aside from having been 
an Exchange employee within the prior three years, otherwise would be 
required to meet the qualifications of a Non-Industry Director. Thus, 
the Former Employee Director could not be a person who is an officer, 
director, or employee of a broker or dealer or who has been employed in 
any such capacity at any time within the prior three years. Further, 
the Commission notes that, under the proposed rule change, the ISE 
Constitution would continue to provide that eight of the members of the 
Exchange's board of directors--out of a maximum total of 16 members--
must be non-industry representatives. The Commission believes that this 
proposed balance with respect to the composition of the Exchange's 
Board is consistent with other self-regulatory organization governance 
structures that were approved by the Commission.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 54494 
(September 25, 2006), 71 FR 58023 (October 2, 2006).
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IV. Conclusion

    It is therefore ordered, pursuant to section 19(b)(2) of the 
Act,\15\ that the proposed rule change (SR-ISE-2007-34) be, and hereby 
is, approved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\16\
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    \16\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E7-15758 Filed 8-10-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8010-01-P
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